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AnxietyAnxiety disorders have in common an extreme sense of fear and worry and physical sensations that cover all systems of the body. Anxiety disorders occur when an individual has an intense and paralysing sense of fear or a more sustained pattern of worrying when there is no real danger or threat. The symptoms of anxiety may include:
Because of the strong physical symptoms associated with many anxiety disorders, people often seek help for what they believe is a physical illness. For example, the extreme sensations of a panic attack may be interpreted as a heart attack. Untreated, moderate and severe anxiety disorders can cause great distress and disruption to a person's life and to those closest to them, and may lead to severe disability. For most people, seeking professional help will result in recovery. Treatment may include counselling, behavioural and cognitive therapies such as systematic exposure therapy, and medication, depending on the form of anxiety and its severity. Many factors influence the development of an anxiety disorder, including genetic makeup, previous life experiences, developmental stage, family history, and factors such as stress levels and physical condition. In some cases anxiety may be the result of a highly traumatic experience, such as torture or abuse. Many people with anxiety disorders also experience depression. Anxiety can occur in almost all age groups. One in four people will develop an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. The main types of anxiety disorder include:
Contacts and Other ResourcesPanic Anxiety Hub The Anxiety Disorders Clinic, St Vincent's Hospital Anxiety and Stress Management Service of Australia |
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